“A new Europe is emerging and the Sons of Don Bosco cannot be simple spectators.” He therefore encouraged the Salesian of the continent of Europe “to make a specific contribution” in this new situation which, in his opinion, includes “an unfailing trust in youth, a renewed commitment to education and the constant promotion of the Preventive System”, the style of education proposed by Don Bosco.

Fr Chávez analysed the  current situation of Europe pointing out how in the face of the ongoing construction of Europe on the political and social level – “the focus for human hopes” – there is to be observed a progressive marginalisation of the religious aspect, which is being relegated to the private domain.

The Rector Major spoke of the loss of the sense of Christian roots: “refusing to allow God to show Himself on the Cross is to reject the God of Love,” and he pointed out that “this almost visceral rejection of the Cross, so relevant and wide-spread nowadays, is the most obvious expression of today’s dominant  paganism.” He added in conclusion “whoever tries to build the city without God will return to Babel and build  a tower to spread confusion on the earth.”

The Salesians, who recently launched their “Project for Europe”, are working to re-vitalise the charism, to renew community life, to evangelise “as a response to the great questions of the young,” and in the face of the new forms of poverty, are preparing to work  “to overcome the various forms of the marginalisation of youth.”

To this end at European level they are strengthening various forms of collaboration in the areas of formation, youth ministry, social communications and the Salesian Family. The Sons of  Don Bosco are engaged in a process of re-organising the various Salesian presences, establishing priorities so as to encourage Salesians and educators to emerge from a European mentality, and in addition are drawing up a strategic plan to respond to the practical needs in some areas regarding immigration and launching specific projects of evangelisation.

The Project for Europe, in which other religious  Institutes are also taking an interest is a  programme which is of concern to the whole Congregation.
 
Today over 6000 Salesians are carrying out their mission in European countries working in youth centres, educational institutes, vocational training schools, parishes, assistance centres for the marginalised, teachers’ training colleges, universities, childrens’ homes, centres for social communication and other institutions at the service of youth.

“We are engaged in giving a new face to the Salesian presence in Europe”, Fr Chávez said, so that “Europe is mission territory for the Salesians, because it is there that the young, especially those who are in greater difficulty, need God.”

Published 23/11/2009